Herd Immunity - What does it mean? And how is it relevant in the times of COVID-19? Here's all you need to know
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Herd immunity is when a significant portion of the population has developed immunity against a pathogen
This helps limit the spread of the pathogen through the population by breaking the chain of transmission
This helps limit the spread of the pathogen through the population by breaking the chain of transmission
Importance -
Herd immunity offers some protection for the people who are more vulnerable to infection
There are also people who cannot be vaccinated, or people who have weaker/compromised immune systems—people receiving cancer treatment fall in both categories
Herd immunity offers some protection for the people who are more vulnerable to infection
There are also people who cannot be vaccinated, or people who have weaker/compromised immune systems—people receiving cancer treatment fall in both categories
How can herd immunity be achieved? -
If a significant portion of the population gets vaccinated against a pathogen, herd immunity is said to have been achieved
Early estimates say that at least 70% of the population needs to be immune against COVID-19 to achieve herd immunity
If a significant portion of the population gets vaccinated against a pathogen, herd immunity is said to have been achieved
Early estimates say that at least 70% of the population needs to be immune against COVID-19 to achieve herd immunity
Herd immunity can be achieved naturally. In this process, several people get infected and develop immunity against a pathogen
In the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, the UK had planned to allow people to get a "mild illness" until herd immunity kicks in
In the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, the UK had planned to allow people to get a "mild illness" until herd immunity kicks in
What's the harm in developing natural immunity? -
In process of building natural immunity, health systems may collapse
An overwhelmed health system affects not just COVID-19 patients, but all patients
In process of building natural immunity, health systems may collapse
An overwhelmed health system affects not just COVID-19 patients, but all patients
A recent large-scale Spanish study had found that only 5% of the population had antibodies against COVID-19.
The study also found the immunity against COVID-19 may not last long
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The study also found the immunity against COVID-19 may not last long
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